JSIP Establishes Japan Entity in Okinawa – Advancing as a Social Infrastructure of Innovation, connecting Japan and Southeast Asia

Japan Southeast Asia Innovation Platform (JSIP), a membership-based community accelerating new business development in Southeast Asia, has officially established its Japanese entity, JSIP Co., Ltd., in Okinawa as of November 15, 2024 (Representative Director: Shinsuke Inoue). With this move, JSIP now operates both a Singapore and a Japan-based entity, aiming to further strengthen its activities and enhance its platform. ■Background and Significance of the Japan Entity Founded in Singapore in 2021, JSIP has grown over the past three years into one of the largest Japan-origin open innovation communities in Southeast Asia. Its network includes over 30 evangelists, approximately 30 consortium member companies, and more than 30 local ecosystem partners, such as VCs, government agencies, and university incubators. JSIP has expanded its footprint to Jakarta, Bangkok, and Tokyo, hosting over 30 networking events annually centered around the JSIP Lounge. Through diverse programs such as the Southeast Asia Market Entry Support Project (Acceleration Program) and Reverse Pitch initiatives, JSIP has played a pivotal role as a social infrastructure linking innovation ecosystems between Japan and Southeast Asia. As demand and participation from both Japan and Southeast Asia continue to grow, the establishment of the Japan entity marks a significant milestone in JSIP’s efforts to provide broader and higher-quality support. ■Why Okinawa? The Spirit of “Bankoku Shinryo” and JSIP’s Vision The decision to establish the Japan entity in Okinawa is rooted in the historical concept of “Bankoku Shinryo”, a term symbolizing Okinawa’s role as a bridge connecting nations during the Ryukyu Kingdom era. Okinawa has historically served as a hub linking Asia and Japan, reflecting JSIP’s mission to act as a bridge between Japan and Southeast Asia. This alignment of historical significance and vision led to the decision to base the Japan entity in Okinawa. ■Vision for the Future – A Platform to Accelerate New Business in Southeast Asia JSIP will continue to evolve with the following key pillars: – Further expansion of local networks in Southeast Asia – Regular networking events in Japan – Enhanced support for regional Japanese startups entering Southeast Asia – Promotion of bi-directional ecosystem activation ■Message to Companies, Municipalities, and Startups Seeking Collaboration We invite corporations looking to accelerate co-creation with Southeast Asian startups, municipalities aiming to enhance support for regional expansion, and startups seeking new opportunities, to join the JSIP platform. Additionally, we warmly welcome participation from local VCs and startups considering entry into the Japanese market. Together, through JSIP, we aim to further energize innovation exchanges between Japan and Southeast Asia.